Maps released detail proposed upgrades to Baton Rouge lakes

BATON ROUGE - Ideas to turn the ailing LSU lakes into a showcase range from dredging the sediment that's been choking the water bodies to building boardwalks and parks and restricting traffic.

Hundreds of residents pored over maps of potential traffic changes, ecological features and where dredge material from the lakes could be placed Thursday night.

Some wanted to know what would be in front of their house and if their view of the lakes would be obstructed; some absolutely hated certain proposals; and some liked the idea of boardwalks.

Consultants hired by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation will now sift through the wide-ranging opinions to try to find consensus on items that could be included in a second draft to be released later this year.